run like a top

Derived from comparison to the smooth, balanced manner of the operation of a spinning top.

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run like a top (third-person singular simple present runs like a top, present participle running like a top, simple past ran like a top, past participle run like a top)

1. (simile, usually of motorized machinery) To operate flawlessly and smoothly.

   I've just tuned my car, and now it's running like a top.

• like clockwork